Friday, September 28, 2007 Cafgu, Army tagged in killing of farmer By Ben O. Tesiorna
TWO farmers in Laak, Compostela Valley were reportedly killed by militiamen and soldiers Tuesday morning.
A report reaching Sun.Star Davao identified the two farmers as Titing Rodriguez, 47, and his son-in-law Rene Adlawan, 24, both residents of sitio Balwarte, Barangay San Antonio.
Jimboy Rodriguez, brother of Titing, said the victims were harvesting corn when about five armed men arrived at the area and confronted Titing.
Jimboy said Titing was accused by the armed men of having a hand in the death of a Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) member in Laak last week.
It was learned that a Cafgu member was killed by the New People's Army (NPA) in the area last week and Titing was suspected as the one who informed the rebels about the Cafgu's presence in the area.
Jimboy said after a brief altercation, the armed men then fired at Titing and Rene several times.
The suspects then left the area casually after the incident.
Jimboy said several witnesses have identified the suspects as Cafgu members and Army soldiers.
In a statement, Army's 10th Infantry Division spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Bautista said they have not received any report regarding the incident until Thursday.
He vowed that they will conduct an investigation and file charges if there be a need.
"If we found out that the military personnel are involved in this incident then we will submit them to the proper authorities for legal procedure," Bautista said.
